Billed as a must win game for West Ham, the bookies had them as massive underdogs. Most pundits were also predicting a home win for the Geordies. Even the Opta super computer forecast a home triumph in 59% of its 10,000 pre-match simulations.
In the last ten games against West Ham, Newcastle had only ever lost once and were unbeaten in all five previous games under Howe.
As such this was a huge result for Julen Lopetegui, let’s not forget that Newcastle beat both Arsenal and Chelsea before the international break.
A win for the Geordies would have moved them one point off a top four place, yet this was the Hammers night, who defied the doom-mongers to take the three points in front of a 52,094 crowd. Even more impressive is that West Ham had only kept two clean sheets in their last 28 Premier League away games, conceding 66 goals. Indeed in 2024 they had conceded more goals in the Premier League (35) than any other club.
The team actually played to the Spanish Head Coaches football philosophy. They were well organised with five at the back, pressing when required, and a strong midfield. Overall some great individual performances from his players.
Jarrod Bowen echoed this after the game when he said “The main thing he wants is a hard working physical team with lots of running and tonight really showed that. Controlling the ball playing out from the back but mixing up as well. Its down to us to adapt to that”
It’s not often that Hammers fans can chant ole at St James Park, yet that was the case with 48% possession, 15 shots, 6 on target and Fabianksi only called on to make two saves.
During the first half West Ham took an early lead, headed home by Soucek, their first goal this season from a corner. They then soaked up the pressure for the remainder of the half.
In the 53rd minute Aaron Wan Bissaka’s shot in off the far post doubled their lead. Only his third goal in 248 appearances, and his first for West Ham.
Lopetegui was humble in his assessment of the game “We are happy. We played well with identity. Newcastle at their stadium is a tough match but we started well. Second half we did well, and deserved to win. We’re happy but have a lot of work to do.”
It doesn’t get any easier, and next up is a London derby against Arsenal, a match where Lopetegui wont be on the touchline, as he collected his third yellow card of the season.
However, Monday nights win takes West Ham three points of Newcastle and away from the relegation zone.
Fans and players will be more confident, Bowen summarised it well “Arsenal will be a tough game but we take a lot from tonight. We go to win the game”
“Five at the back”? It didn’t appear to be the case on the TV
Fair play – did not see that coming – First half rode our luck a bit – but you need that up there – second half we were comfortable (allowing for last seasons conceding 3 in the last 12 minutes).
Acid test will be against the Arse but if the fitness levels, niggles and knocks are ok the same level of commitment will give them a game – which is all we ever ask
I just read that we ran the second highest distance in the premier league this season at Newcastle. Can’t fault that effort, we worked for it.
Nothing to do with the ‘West Ham Way’ it’s what every supporter expects when there team takes to the field, commitment, physicality, endeavour, passion but above all, application. These are some of the most elite players to wear Claret and Blue, admittedly, it takes time not to get in each others way and to compliment each other but these are highly talented player’s who should be capable of adapting. Cut out individual errors and needless, reckless challenge’s and we might start to look like an organized and well coached team capable of challenging for a top half of the table finish.